Three student scientists take first place at state

Bremerton, WA – Three inspiring students from the Odessa High School science department presented their independent science and engineering research on March 30, 2019 at the 62nd Annual Washington State Science and Engineering Fair. Once again, and amongst the nearly 600 students attending, these scientists earned first place in their respective categories, in addition to the following other top Washington State awards:

Megan Shafer: "Phytoremediation of Radioactive Metals Using Helianthus (Mammoth Sunflowers)"

- 1st Place Senior Division Award in the Category of Environmental Sciences (trophy, ribbon).

- Olympic College President's Outstanding Research Award (plaque).

- Norman E. Borlaug Excellence in Sustainability Award (certificate).

- Association For Women Geoscientists Outstanding Research Award (certificate, cash).

- Wolfram Exceptional Research Award (analysis software, certificate).

Natosha Boss – "The Effect of Perfluorooctanoic Acid on Sleep Pattern and Longevity of Drosophila melanogaster"

- 1st Place Senior Division Award in the Category of Biomedicine & Health (trophy, ribbon).

- Wolfram Exceptional Research Award (analysis software, certificate).

Maddie Scrupps - "Novel Casein Detection Indicator"

- 1st Place Senior Division Award in the Category of Biomedicine & Health (trophy, ribbon).

Unfortunately for our Odessa students, once you receive a 1st Place Award in your category, you are then in competition with all of the other first-place award winners regardless of category. These selected students vied for the overall gold, silver and bronze awards and the chance to attend the International Science and Engineering Fair, sponsored in part by Intel, which hosts over 2,000 high school students from over 75 countries, regions, or territories. It is the largest pre-college science competition in the country and will be held this year in Phoenix, Arizona, May 13-17, 2019.

As Josie Westmoreland was selected as the finalist at the Eastern Washington Regional Science & Engineering Fair, she now prepares to attend the international fair in Phoenix.

The Rural Alliance STEM Gems Grant, the Odessa School District, school board members and the Odessa community have been instrumental in supporting this independent research by students.